Cultural protectionism and Big Brother in Indonesian film making law, the UU Perfilman.

The highly controversial new bill on Film was passed into law (UU Perfilman) by the parliament on September 8th. These are the articles in the law most commented upon:

Article 6: Prohibition of depictions of drug use, violence, gambling, as well as pornography, insulting of religion, and provocative, hateful content.

Article 7: Prohibition of the screening of films aimed at over 21 audiences in non-cinema locations or open spaces.

Article 18: Film makers are required to inform the Minister of Culture and Tourism of the title, story outline and production plan of any prospective film. The Minister will not approve productions that have the same title and/or story as existing films. There is no charge for this process. If approval is granted film production must begin within three months.

Article 32: Cinemas must show 60% local content (of course meaning foreign films may only be shown 40% of the time).

Article 42: Foreign films which do not uphold correct religious, ethical, moral, and national cultural values are to be prohibited from import.

Article 49 & 51: Films and those who work in the film industry are to uphold correct religious, ethical, moral, and national cultural values.

Article 53: Regional governments are responsible for enforcing, developing and implementing locally based film policies, in accordance with national law.

Typical of the many derisory and hostile reactions to the law among performers and film producers came from old acting hand Deddy Mizwar, who cried

This country is doomed, this country is doomed!

while threatening to retire as chairman of the National Film Board (Badan Pertimbangan Perfilman Nasional) in protest.

Culture & Tourism minister Jero Wacik defended the bill in nationalistic terms, saying the Indonesian film industry would be boosted immeasurably by Article 32, the 60% local content rule at cinemas.

15 Comments on “UU Perfilman”

Culture & Tourism minister Jero Wacik defended the bill in nationalistic terms, saying the Indonesian film industry would be boosted immeasurably by Article 32, the 60% local content rule at cinemas.

Actually, I would say that the more likely outcome is that the 21 group will lose a lot of money and the pirate DVD sellers of uncensored western flicks will see a mild increase in their sales.

This bill is a real piece of work. It’s as if they thought of every possible rule that might stifle creativity and cause a resurgent Indonesian film market to stagnate. Genius. I guess all we’ll be permitted from now on is clones of Ayat Ayat Cinta and Non-Provocative Pocong flicks.

It’s so sad that in this 10 years of reform many bills are just so irrational, and UU Perfilman is yet the latest. Scary to think that the industry that would probably be our pillar in future economy is now crippled. Is the DPR really don’t get the consequences? Is there any chance to cut this bill? If there’s a petition or some sort I’d be happy to sign.

Not sure it’s a shariah issue ET, it’s democracy, when you have small minded village idiots (legislators) having real power and influence. Indonesia is a fairly raw democracy, the parliament actually has some power whereas in more developed democracies the legislature and even the executive are fairly marginal, real power is with the judiciary, public service, elite universities, etc. I’d expect more of this kind of thing but again I don’t think it’s an Islamic issue, although I’d be interested in seeing the breakdown of which parties and figures were most supportive of the bill.

I’d expect more of this kind of thing but again I don’t think it’s an Islamic issue, although I’d be interested in seeing the breakdown of which parties and figures were most supportive of the bill.

No laws without lobbying. It certainly would be interesting to see which parties and figures were supportive – the usual parliamentary wheeling and dealing – but even more interesting would be to know who drafted the RUU.

One interesting point is that no films depicting Timor Leste and the brutality of the Indonesian occupation have been allowed in the country. Balibo is the latest victim.
Sadly more generations of Indonesians will not be able to accurately learn about their country’s true heritage. Only the sugar coated bits. So life goes on where people grow up thinking sinetron is true art.

Great. Does it mean we will no longer see “Abu-bakar-basyir” type of indoctrination in the TV / movies / media anytime soon?

In all fairness, I don’t think anyone could say that Indonesian cinema has ever been a hotbed of radical religiosity. What worries me is that the handful of recent Indonesian movies I would actually class as watchable could all have been banned under this legislation;

Arisan
Berbagi Suami
The Long Road to Heaven
Jamila and the President
Pintu Terlarang
Kala

Arisan -> gay
Berbagi suami -> pervert
The Long Road to Heaven -> umm…
Jamila and the President -> an insult to the president (the word “president” don’t go well with “jamila”, it sounds slutty).
Pintu Terlarang -> too seksi (i imagine: if you open the door, lots of leather men will be out to grab you)
Kala -> somehow linked to gay-ness.

when Indonesian Cinema died out, Malaysia seems promising. they invite film makers, to gain experience, and economy.
really, Malaysia isn’t sound like a bad decision for us film makers. so… in your face Gov.!